Author: Blake Foster

Of these venues, three received a score of 2 out of 5 during inspections since January, meaning that major improvements are necessary. One of these venues scored the worst possible rating of 0, indicating that urgent improvement is necessary. Inspectors from Lewisham Council’s environmental health have not slammed any restaurants and cafes with a 1/5, meaning “major improvement necessary,” this year. We have listed these places and the date their rating was given. It’s important to note that this list is only about Lewisham restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes, and does not feature anything the Food Standards Agency count as…

Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will be taking to their seats to discuss and analyse the many big matches over the coming months. On Saturday (August 17) from 10.20pm on BBC One, it will be Mark’s turn to present all the action from the opening round of the Premier League, including Aston Villa v Newcastle United at Villa Park and Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City at Molineux.  For the first time, the role of lead presenter across the BBC’s Premier League highlights programmes, Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2, and the latest addition to the BBC’s…

Across the borough, success stories have emerged from students securing places at top universities, apprenticeships, and competitive creative and vocational programmes. Maisy Zagar, 18, from Parliament Hill School and LaSWAP Sixth Form, achieved two A*s and an A, and will study philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University. Ms Zagar said: “I would like to work for a policy think tank to put some pressure on the slowcoaches.” A-level and vocational students at LaSWAP Sixth Form with staff and Cllr Francis (Image: Camden Council) Mary McGinn, also 18 and from the same school, is heading to the University of East…

The academy has been awarded the Social Impact Schools Award by SuperKind, a national platform celebrating exceptional student-led initiatives that drive positive change both locally and globally. Charlton Park Academy, based on Charlton Park Road, was recognised for a broad range of projects led by students throughout the year. Craft market stall run by student showcasing creative work (credit: Charlton Park Academy) Activities included volunteering, supporting peers during lunchtime, raising awareness about mental health through Sunshine Day, and leading wellbeing assemblies. Other initiatives saw students visiting elderly residents in a nearby care home, organising and packing away during the Communication…

The reimagined store is part of a major investment and is now welcoming shoppers after a 12-week closure. Located on the ground floor of Brent Cross Shopping Centre, the 15,000 sq ft foodhall features an in-store bakery, barista coffee counter, and expanded produce section. Shoppers welcomed back to reimagined M&S with 450 new products (Image: M&S) Rico Gilbert, store manager at M&S Brent Cross, said: “Thanks to all our customers for bearing with us while work has been underway, I can promise our showstopping new foodhall is worth the wait. “It’s been fantastic to see customers’ reactions this morning, who…

Last month, a planning application was approved for the “repair and restoration” of the moat around Valence House Museum in Becontree Avenue. With works projected to start in autumn, we are looking back at the extensive history of the house and its grounds. The earliest mention of a house on the site was in the 1250s when Gilbert Hakun of Barking granted land to Sir Hugh de Dyve, a knight in the service of Henry III. Valence House from the east around 1930 (Image: Valence House Museum) In 1298 Agnes de Valence was leased the house and it is after her whom the estate…

More than 30 residents, known as “community producers”, have worked with artists to design the events as part of the Colours of Redbridge Other Worlds programme. The free programme of community arts, theatrical, and dining experiences aims to “transport” east London to “colourful new horizons”. The festival is community-led (Image: Nyla Sammons for Colours of Redbridge) The programme will begin at the end of August with Big Small Wonders, a street parade featuring “giant creatures inspired by land and sea”. The creatures have been made by Emergency Exit Arts and Kinetika, and the parade has been choreographed by co-founder of STOMP, Carl Smith. This will…

LaSWAP, London’s longest-standing consortium of school sixth forms, has announced the “fantastic results” of its year 13 students. The four schools that make up the consortium are Acland Burghley School, La Sainte Union School, Parliament Hill School, and William Ellis School. Ibrahim Ahmed pictured with teachers, councillor, and headteacher (Image: Yana Markey) It was announced that more than 70 per cent of students secured their first or second choice of university or apprenticeship. This included places at Russell Group universities, Oxford and Cambridge. The consortium said their results prove their “strong work ethic and conscientious determination among students”. On A-level…

Highgate School has expressed its delight as 41 per cent of all grades achieved by the class of 2025 were marked at A*, and 79 per cent at A* or A. More than 92 per cent of all grades were awarded A*-B. Headteacher Adam Pettitt said: “Hats off to the 207 Highgate students collecting their results today. “With 635 exams between them, and tens of thousands of hours spent in exam halls, they deserve every congratulation. “The class of 2025 has set the highest of standards and we are proud of them.” The school said that of those who applied…

Queens Park Community School in Brent has reported its highest-ever A-level and BTEC results, with progress scores well above the national average and 98 per cent of grades awarded at A* to E. Twenty-three per cent of grades were at A* to A, 55 per cent at A* to B, and 82 per cent at A* to C. Ms Enright, headteacher at Queens Park Community School, said: “Thanks to our ethos of academic excellence, QPCS students develop an exceptional range of knowledge, talents and skills. “I am especially proud this year that against the national trend, we have increasing numbers…